When I told friends that I was headed to Rostock, many of them laughed and asked me why. The tone in their voice hinted that Rostock wasn’t at the top of most people’s “must visit” travel lists. Well, it happened that my German language school was offering a day trip there for only €10 euros and I thought why not? It was a chance to see the Baltic Coast and visit yet another part of Germany.
Admittedly my friends were right, there isn’t a lot to see and do in Rostock. While the town is rather quaint and quite pretty, it doesn’t take long to catch most major points of interest like the waterfront or historical center. The city is best visited in a day before heading off to another town along the Baltic Coast (like Warnemünde) or catching a ferry to Finland, Denmark, Sweden, etc.
Photos From The Hanse Sail In Rostock, Germany
Lucky for my classmates and me, Rostock was holding their annual Hanse Sail. One of Germany’s largest maritime festivals, it attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year bringing all sorts of traditional sailing vessels to town.
There was plenty of medieval entertainment to be had and we great day walking around, seeing the ships, laughing at the pirates and gypsies, listening to Viking-style music, and most of all drinking beer, beer, and more beer.
You could see that many locals and tourists were out and about, enjoying a fun day under the sun.
The market stalls were also quite fun to browse. There was everything from handmade clothes, to dream catchers and jester hats.
There were also plenty of fun rides for kids. It was adorable to see them having so much fun!
What do you think of our photos from the Hanse Sail? Have you been? Tell us about it in the comments.
Location
Stadthafen Rostock
Am Strande 2f, 18055 Rostock
Good To Know
1) For your next vacation in Rostock, find a place to stay with booking.com.
Booking.com2) While in Rostock checking out the Hanse Sail festival, add even more special memories to your time there and go on a guided tour with Get Your Guide.
3) Need more inspiration about traveling through Europe? Take a look at some of our reader’s favorite posts:
- An Ancient Theatre, The Odeon Of Herodes Atticus – When in Athens perusing ancient sites, visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, one of the world’s oldest open-air theatres.
- First Impressions Of Barcelona In Pictures – My first impressions of Barcelona in pictures, highlight the less touristed and quiet side of the Spanish city.
- The Christmas Market At Old Town Square In Prague – Prague’s prettiest Christmas market at Old Town Square is a must-visit if you’re in the city during the festive season.
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People might have laughed at you going but what a nice series of photos you got out of the one day trip. And it’s filled in another small corner on your mental map of Germany.
For sure … I had a fun day there and may even head back to take a ferry over to one of the Scandinavian countries sometime. Also, can’t argue with 10 euros! 🙂
Great photos! The places that are not on the “must visit” list are sometimes some of the best places to go!
Thanks. This is very true!
So true! I am from Germany and would have never thought of Rostock as a trip destination 🙂 But the festival looks really fun!
I’m not sure it would be worth going any other time but the festival was really fun! 🙂
When people say “there’s nothing there”–that makes me want to go there. If there’s “nothing” then there will be no tourists. And obviously there was something going on THAT day! You captured the fun.
Thanks! Yes, gotta like those off the beaten path type places.
Why on earth would anyone ever discourage you from going to this?!! Looks awesome!
Great shots Cheryl, and it looks like you had a fun day.
Thanks, it really was. 🙂
It was! I’m glad I still made the trip there.
Beautiful photos.
Thanks Muza-chan. 🙂
What a fun looking festival!
Looks like you had a great day in Rostock! I would have gone just to see the Baltic coast, as you mentioned. Beautiful pictures. I especially like the first one of the ship!
I recommend going should you ever get a chance. 🙂
Thanks! I’m really hoping to take the rest of the coast at some point. My list of places to go is so darn long …
This looks amazing (aside from the journey getting there) – German, beer, pirate festival? Should be an alternative to Oktoberfest, haha
The journey getting there and back were the least favorite parts of my day. It was horrible! I’m not convinced of the German rail system just yet … they say it’s always on time but it was late each way.
We should have a Northern Germany based Oktoberfest. That would be awesome. 🙂
I was in Rostock shortly after the wall was torn down. It was interesting to see the contrasts between west and the newly liberted east Germany then. Rostock used to be the most important port city of East Germany. Today, I suppose, it’s just one of many. Would be interesting to have another look, 20 years later.
That’s incredible Sophie. Hope you make it back to Rostock sometime!
From what I read on Wikipedia, the city did not do well after reunification suffering economically and losing a good chunk of the local population when people left for former West German locations for new jobs and opportunities. They’re said to be doing better now and surely festivals like the Hanse Sail help.
I’m still quite overwhelmed by the history sometimes. For example while touring that day, we learned how one citizen of Rostock wanted to escape the GDR so badly that he swam over 40 km to Denmark!
I love unusual places and interesting festivals. This one definitely looks interesting! I love the detail of the first picture. Cool old boat, too!
Thanks! It’s a good way to spend the day … plus there’s rides … ferris wheel, roller coaster and whatnot. 🙂